Severe weather outbreak in Deep South Tuesday headed to Carolinas Wednesday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A large, powerful system that will bring the risk of severe weather to the Carolinas on Wednesday will first wreak havoc over the Deep South Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The risk of a severe weather outbreak is high for areas of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana throughout the day on Tuesday.

Concerns include several tornadoes, large hail, and strong wind gusts up to 80 mph. The image below shows the Storm Prediction Center’s (SPC) Convective Outlook for Tuesday.

This forecast is issued every day and highlights the areas that hold the highest concerns of severe weather. Portions of Dixie Alley and the Gulf Coast are included in a moderate risk Tuesday. The different categories are explained in the image below.

The strong line of thunderstorms will slowly push to the east/northeast throughout the overnight hours. By Wednesday morning, some light drizzle and scattered showers can be expected to start the day in the Carolinas.

Between 10 a.m.-12 p.m., the line of strong thunderstorms will push through the region. Severe weather concerns for Charlotte, mountains and midlands include strong wind gusts, hail, flash flooding and a low tornado threat.

Heavy rain and flash flooding look to be the biggest concern for the Carolinas. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for most of the region until 6 p.m. Wednesday. The counties in green are included in the watch.

With already 1-2 inches of rain from Monday and Tuesday, any additional heavy rain on Wednesday could lead to flooding issues.

After the initial line of thunderstorms moves through during the midday hours on Wednesday, conditions will start to clear by the afternoon and evening, with just a few scattered showers expected.

The SPC Convective Outlook for Wednesday in the Carolinas puts most of the region under a Slight risk, with an Enhanced risk over eastern North Carolina. It is in that region (orange) to our east that the severe weather risk is higher.

To stay ahead of the storms the next few days, make sure to download our free WSOC-TV weather app. There you can track storms down to your street, or get the latest storm watches and warnings as they come in.

Cox Media Group